Scouting Report: Cashius Howell
Name: Cashius Howell | Height: 6’2” | Weight: 248 lbs | School: Texas A&M | Year: RS Senior
Strengths
- Pass-Rush Plan: Approaches the quarterback with a clear, calculated plan; varies his attack effectively.
- Athleticism & Balance: An elite athlete with exceptional body control, bend, and lateral agility for his size.
- Versatility: Can be deployed in various roles, including stand-up edge, interior alignments in blitz packages, and occasional zone drops.
- Technique: Utilizes an impressive array of moves, including stutter-steps, dips, spins, and speed-to-power transitions.
- Production: Demonstrated high-level efficiency and impact, capped by an All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year campaign.
Concerns
- Run Defense Consistency: Can be displaced at the point of attack; needs to improve his ability to anchor and shed blocks.
- Assignment Discipline: Occasionally gets too wide in his rush or pursuit, which can open lanes for athletic quarterbacks.
- Technique Refinement: Needs to become more consistent in his hand usage and approach to block engagement rather than relying on finesse.
Overview:
Cashius Howell is a redshirt senior defensive end who concluded his collegiate career with a dominant two-year stint at Texas A&M after transferring from Bowling Green. Howell’s journey is a classic underdog story; he went from holding only one FBS offer out of high school to becoming a unanimous All-American and a potential first-round NFL draft selection.
Howell is a high-level athlete. Despite his 248-pound frame, he possesses elite balance, allowing him to cut and change direction with the fluidity of a much smaller player. As a pass rusher, he is a technician. He rarely relies on raw speed alone, consistently "setting up" tackles with a variety of moves—ranging from stutter-steps and rips to high-side dips and spin counters. This premeditated approach to rushing the passer separates him from many other developmental prospects.
While his prowess as a pass rusher is undeniable, his run defense remains an area for growth. He occasionally struggles to anchor against power, sometimes getting displaced when facing double teams or physical offensive linemen. Furthermore, he can occasionally "get too cute" by over-pursuing or playing with overly wide angles, which can create rushing lanes for opposing offenses. These issues are largely schematic and technical, rather than a lack of effort; with NFL coaching, he should be able to tighten his pursuit angles and improve his base strength.
Howell profiles as a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker or a designated pass-rusher in a 4-3 scheme. He is athletic enough to drop into coverage in limited packages, and his relentless motor makes him a disruptive presence on every down. After finishing his senior year with 11.5 sacks and SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors, Howell has proven he can produce against top-tier competition. He should be an immediate contributor to any NFL team’s pass-rush rotation.
Film Reviewed: Notre Dame (2025), Auburn (2025), Mississippi St. (2025), Florida (2025), Arkansas (2025), Texas (2025), Miami (2025)
Written By: Tom Schultz
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